Derin Adetosoye wins Formula E’s Open Talent Call for Presenters

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Derin Adetosoye wins Formula E’s Open Talent Call for Presenters

Derin Adetosoye has been announced as the winner of Formula E’s Open Talent Call for Presenters. The 21-year-old will join our existing presenting line-up for the opening round of the 2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Launched this August for those between the age of 18 and 24 who reside in the UK, France or Germany, Formula E’s Open Talent Call for Presenters targeted diverse young talent with the skills to join an existing presenter and commentator team of Vernon Kay, Nicki Shields, Dario Franchitti, Jack Nicholls and Saunders Carmichael-Brown.

Following over 800 video entries, the judges; radio DJ and presenter Maya Jama, Formula E racing driver Daniel Abt and professional athlete and LGBTQ activist Amazin LeThi narrowed the field to four talented young finalists who headed to Valencia, Spain to complete a series of challenges at Formula E pre-season testing two weeks ago.

Tasks completed, the judges reconvened and selected Derin Adetosoye as the winner. Maya surprised Derin with the news this morning, with the prize a professional role as part of the Formula E presenting team for the first round of Season 7.

The Open Talent Call for Presenters specifically targeted Gen Z applicants who understand how the next generation of fans think and what they care about. Delivering on the promise of Formula E’s open letter published in July to provide “greater opportunity for under-represented groups in our sport”, raw young talents were encouraged to apply no matter their experience level. Entrants were judged purely on presenting potential.

With equal opportunities a priority, Formula E worked closely with diverse communities to ensure the competition was as accessible as possible from day one. Background blind judging selected 15 diverse semi-finalists with a passion for Formula E and its race for better futures. After expertly navigating a gruelling set of challenges, Derin was chosen as the worthy winner. She will make history as the first black female presenter for an international motorsport rights holder.

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Maya Jama, Formula E Open Talent Call for Presenters judge, said: “I am so thrilled to announce that Derin Adetosoye is the winner of Formula E’s Talent Call. She is really a natural at this and I can’t wait to see her grow as a presenter and with the Formula E family. Watching her reminded me of back when I was starting out and I am just so excited to see her out on the track in Santiago!”

Derin Adetosoye, Formula E Open Talent Call for Presenters winner, said: “It is such an incredible honour to have won the Open Talent Call for Presenters! I am so excited to be joining the remarkable Formula E family next season and make my mark as the first black woman presenter for an international motorsports rights holder.”

Katie Traxton, Chief Communications Officer of Formula E, said: “The judges had the unenviable task of selecting one winner from an incredible line-up of Gen Z talent. We only hope that the platform Formula E provided for all the finalists will give them the springboard they deserve. Derin is a brilliant choice. We can’t wait to have her join our team in Santiago. Derin will play an essential part in connecting Formula E with the new generation of fans who are integral to our vision and mission as we race for better futures.”

The Open Talent Call for Presenters is the first initiative of the Electric Futures programme announced this summer in Formula E’s #PositivelyCharged open letter as part of the FIA’s #PurposeDriven movement.